Without new Scouting leaders and volunteers, Port Elgin Scout and Cubs programs will not begin as scheduled mid-September prompting Scouting officials to make an urgent appeal for help.

Only Port Elgin Beavers will resume Monday night meetings at Port Elgin's United Church - there are two returning leaders, but also need more leaders/volunteers as there is a waiting list of approximately 10 kids, aged 6, 7 and 8, who will not become Beavers unless new leaders/volunteers come forward.

“This lack of leaders/volunteers is an on-going, worsening, dire situation," former Scouting leader Ted Bowron said in an Aug. 8 interview.

"It was a tough decision to cancel Scouts and Cubs, but both leaders resigned in June," he said adding both former leaders will offer advice, support and help to the new leaders/volunteers for a smooth transition.

"We need adults to volunteer - we can use adults without them having to be fully trained as a leader," Bowron said, adding the time commitment is several hours a week with a monthly meeting.

"We need people who like kids, who can pass an interview with our Commissioner and are willing to get a police check," Bowron said, adding applicants must be over 18 years old.

Bowron attributed some of the lack of leaders to "heavy rules" and regulations imposed by Scouts Canada.

"There is an absolute feeling out there that people don't want to commit to anything - this is going on in all organizations - but being part of Port Elgin Scouting is rewarding," Bowron said.